Interactions between my kin and sleepers are often not helpful, Hali says, and Illarion makes a noise that would be a laugh, if he were speaking to another mortal. A perfectly true statement that many Sleepers would still take umbrage at.

Still. A shrike--any elf--well-understands waiting for the right time to act, and not setting up unnecessary expectations before that action.

"We don't understand your kinfolk any better than they do us. Some take the differences for malice." Speaking of-- The Omen perched on Illarion's shoulder cants her head to one side, studying the Pthumerian on behalf of her Sleeper.

"If we do choose for you to bind yourself, will you need sacrifices as the Tower does?"

Better to head off the problems of the Zealots with thoughtful planning, if so.